Pulled Over for DUI? Know Your Rights -- Oswalt Law Group

The Oswalt Law Group Provides Driver Information for DUI Checkpoints and Arrests

PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwired - June 15, 2016) - While June and July are peak times for cookouts, traveling and vacations, knowing your rights can go a long way toward preventing your good times from turning into jail time.

Because the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety has been eager to provide grant money to local police for DUI enforcement, Arizonians are sure to see a dramatic increase in DUI checkpoints this summer.

While it's never a good idea to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol, knowing your rights as a driver is always a good idea.

Your Rights During a DUI Traffic Stop

You do have the right to refuse a DUI test. If you do refuse, the officer is required to inform you of the legal consequences, such as losing your license for one year.

Arizona police officers can no longer tell you that DUI tests are required. Being falsely told that you must submit to a field test is a violation of your Fourth Amendment rights.

You do have the right to not answer questions about events that led to the traffic stop. While it's a good idea to be cooperative by providing your name, address and driver's license, you have the right to not say anything else.

You have the right to obtain any independent evidence that can prove your innocence. For example, if an independent blood test will help your case, you have the right to request a blood sample from the hospital of your choice.

You have the right to contact a lawyer immediately.

You and your lawyer have the right to all police reports about the incident. This is important because any mistakes made on the part of the officer can result in your penalties being significantly reduced or the charge itself being thrown out altogether.

There are a host of variables that are considered in just about every DUI case. Because DUI charges can result in loss of income, heavy fines and imprisonment, and because prosecutors are not known for helping individuals avoid the full consequences of a DUI conviction, it's critical to have someone fighting to ensure that your rights are protected. Hiring an attorney improves your chances immensely for a positive legal outcome.

About Oswalt Law Group:Oswalt Law Group in Phoenix has been providing professional criminal representation for those who are charged with all types of crimes, including DUI, homicide, theft, sexual offenses and fraud. The firm is dedicated to providing quality representation no matter what the criminal charge.